One of the representative business men
of El Centro and one who is known as honorable and has the confidence and
esteem of his fellowmen, is William Kelly, engaged in the seed and nursery
business at 630 Main Street, El Centro, since 1903. He can be termed a
pioneer in Imperial County. His birth occurred at Kingston, Canada, August
17, 1846, a son of William and Sarah (Smith) Kelly. His father passed away
in Kingston, Canada, some years ago, and his body lies in the pretty
cemetery in Kingston, while his wife was buried near Friendship, Wisconsin.
Mr. Kelly acquired a limited education in New York State and at the age of
sixteen he sailed before the mast on the Great Lakes. He rose to second mate
in eighteen months, and in the following year he enlisted in the United
States Army and for eighteen months he fought in the Civil War. Receiving an
honorable discharge, he took up salesmanship and traveled, and since 1874 he
has continuously been identified with the nursery business, characterized by
the same energetic vigor and business foresight that distinguished his
forefathers. William Kelly came into Imperial Valley on horseback when only
a few settlers were located here. Under adverse conditions he started the
nursery business, and he has the honor of being the oldest nurseryman in
Imperial County. Owing to his long activity in and knowledge of this
business, he has succeeded while others failed. Fraternally Mr. Kelly is a
Mason, being a member of F. & A.M. in El Centro. He married Miss Ada M.
English March 31, 1880, a daughter of Commodore A. and Elizabeth English.
Both of her parents are buried in Santa Cruz. To this union has been born
one son, now deceased. Their adopted daughter, Elizabeth, is now teaching at
Orange, California. The family resides at 651 Park Avenue.
Source: "The History of Imperial County, California,"
Elms and Franks Publ. Co., 1918, pp. 398-399.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, January, 2007.
While not a resident of
Imperial County for as long a period as some, Charles Downing has met with a
large measure of success since coming to this locality. He is now at the
head of the Calexico store of the H. P. Fites Company, of which he is the
manager. This concern has grown to be one of the city's leading enterprises.
In the Fites store may be found a well chosen stock of farm machinery of the
latest and most highly improved type. The store also carries a complete line
of harness and has the agency for the J. I. Case tractors and threshers.
Everything that goes to make up a first-class establishment can be found
here. Mr. Downing was born in Johnson County, Missouri, February 17, 1884.
He acquired his education in the public schools. Finishing his education he
engaged in farming for himself in Missouri and Oklahoma. In 1913 Mr. Downing
came to California and located in El Centro, where he worked for the Delta
Implement Company for a period of four years. He then became manager
connected with his present concern, of which he is local manager in
Calexico. Fraternally Mr. Downing is a member of the Modern Woodmen.
Source: "The History of Imperial County, California,"
Elms and Franks Publ. Co., 1918, p. 399.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, January, 2007.